Tuesday, November 20, 2012ODOT looking for a group to help replace I-90 bridgeThe team contracted to do this will also finance the $330 million projectby WKSU's M.L. SCHULTZE

Web EditorM.L. Schultze

Ohio has formally begun the search for a private group that is willing to design, build and finance a second Innerbelt bridge in Cleveland. WKSU’s M.L. Schultze has more on the next step in the largest bridge project in Ohio history.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has put out what is called a “request for proposals” for a team to tear down the eastbound I-90 bridge and replace it. What’s unique to this project is that the private team also will find the $330 million in financing to make the whole thing work and ODOT will pay it back over time.

ODOT Director Wray says the new approach is part of how ODOT must operate in the future in order to get a long list of major projects around the state done.

The Innerbelt bridge project replaces the old single span with two new bridges, increasing traffic from eight lanes to 10. Crews are nearly done with the westbound bridge. But ODOT had been projecting a delay of a decade and more in getting the eastbound bridge done under the old rules.

Teams who are interested in the state’s business will have until Dec. 21 to respond, and ODOT expects to pick the winning team by next summer.